Tench Francis Sr. facts for kids

A 1746 painting of Tench Francis by Robert Feke.

Tench Francis was an important lawyer and judge in the early American colonies. He lived and worked in both Maryland and Philadelphia. He was born around 1700, probably in Philadelphia, and passed away on August 16, 1758.

Early Life and Beginnings

Tench Francis was the son of John Francis, a church leader from Dublin, Ireland. He studied law in London, England. After finishing his studies, he moved to America before 1720.

A Career in Law and Government

Working in Maryland

When Tench Francis first came to America, he worked as a lawyer for Lord Baltimore, a powerful leader in the colonies. He opened his own law office in Kent County, Maryland.

From 1726 to 1734, he worked for the court in Talbot County, Maryland. After that, he was elected to represent Talbot County for three years in the government.

Serving Pennsylvania

Later, Tench Francis moved to Philadelphia. He became the top lawyer for the government of Pennsylvania, a job called "attorney-general." He held this important position from 1741 to 1755. He also served as the "recorder" of Philadelphia from 1750 to 1755, which meant he was an official who kept important city records.

Tench Francis also helped start the college, academy, and Charitable Schools of Philadelphia. This institution later became the famous University of Pennsylvania. He even sent his own sons, Philip and Turbutt, to study there.

Family Life

A painting of Tench Francis' wife, Elizabeth Francis, from around 1748.

In 1724, Tench Francis married Elizabeth Turbutt. They had several children together:

• Rachel Francis, who married John Retfe.
• Turbutt Francis, whose family later changed their last name to Mifflin.
• Philip Francis, who was the grandfather of Philip Francis Thomas, a future politician.
• Ann Francis, who married James Tilghman. Their son, Tench Tilghman, became an important helper to George Washington during the American Revolution.
• Mary Francis, who married William Coxe. Their son, Tench Coxe, was a delegate from Pennsylvania to the last Continental Congress.
• Elizabeth Francis, who married John Lawrence.
• Margaret Francis, who married Chief Justice Edward Shippen IV. Their daughter married Benedict Arnold.
• Tench Francis Jr., who became a successful businessman in Philadelphia. He married Ann Willing Francis.

Tench Francis passed away in Philadelphia in 1758.